Stories in the Theme and Genre News

Short and very well written: the criteria for the best true crime online. Here are a handful of fascinating essays I've come across....

Crime Magazine Update The website Crime Magazine, a small but well-written crime encyclopedia, has posted a new piece by Lona Manning - "Cons, Frauds, and Schemers" -- a series of vignettes about the human capacity for audacity.

The Murder of Joseph Kupchik A devastating fall claimed a young man's life in a downtown parking garage. His family is left to wonder. This piece about the mystery in the Free Times by James Renner (author of Amy: My Search for Her Killer) shows how the most talented writers find and present those details that tell the real story.

Allegations of Plagiarism have struck The Black Dahlia Files: The Mob, the Mogul, and the Murder that Transfixed Los Angeles.

Aussies Love Their True Crime From The Australian: "Interest in true crime stories is running hot in Australia with book sales soaring and docu-dramas scoring high ratings on pay-TV and free-to-air television. According to Neilsen BookScan, which monitors Australian book consumption, sales of true crime books jumped 65 per cent in 2006..."

Another List of Top 10 True Crime Films I haven't the foggiest what Dose.ca is, but its list of Top 10 True Crime Films is interesting:

Sometimes, Hollywood screenwriters run out of ideas. No, it’s true. But it’s a good thing that there’s a wealth of real-life drama for them to cull from — otherwise we wouldn’t have a genre as fine as the true-crime drama. Yes, true-crime — it’s the only genre that features scenes of violence so utterly perverse that they couldn’t have come from anywhere but real life...

10. The French Connection

9. Dog Day Afternoon

8. Goodfellas

7. Donnie Brasco

6. Summer of Sam

5. Blow

4. From Hell

3. Chicago

2. Monster

1. Capote

I have to agree that his top three picks deserve to be on the list. The rest, I'd argue. Monster and Chicago aside, where are the great femme fatale films?

Can You Help with this Mystery from New Jersey? A Clews visitor is searching for details of a case she remembers from her childhood, but she can't remember the names. I'd like to tell her what happened, but I can't look it up without any details. Maybe some other Clews reader might recall....

From her note:

I don't know why but every so often I think about a dual murder that happened in 1975 in North Bergen. It involved to young teenagers. I believe they were no more than 13 or 14. They were seen many times hitch hiking along the main street of Bergenline Avenue. The police found their bodies in Mahwah , NJ which is approx. 30 miles north of North Bergen so it involved a different county.

I remember reading an article involving the detective from Bergen County who vowed to never let this crime go unsolved. I never heard anything over the years as to whether they ever found who murdered these girls.

They called in a psychic. I believe her name had Allison in it. I am not sure if Allison was her first or last name. She said she saw the girls in an abandoned house in North Bergen. Actually the house was not abandoned. It was a house being renovated by a politician who had purchased it. She said she saw the girls in a red pick up truck. The politicians young aides usually drove the red pick up to that house bringing supplies. She said she saw a purse being thrown down a flight of steps. One of their purses was later found by a North Bergen school that had many steep flights of concrete steps. She said she saw their bodies laying near a barn in upstate New York or New Jersey. Their bodies were found near the grounds of a horse farm that that same politician owned.

I remember this all so well because I was questioned many times by the police regarding these two aides and the politician, because at the time I did a lot of campaigning with them, but other than that I knew nothing about them. I would appreciate it if you could look into this mystery for me. I would really like to know if anyone ever found the killer or killers.

If you can shed any light on this, please drop me a line.

Comments

[Repoz]

Jeez, I've been looking on-line for years about this story. Yea, I remember somewhat the tragic story of the two girls from North Bergen...if I'm not mistaken, they were hitch-hiking their way to the Willowbrook Mall in Paramus.

Details are kinda sketchy, but I seem to recall them hanging around the beyond seedy On Tap bar on Broadway in N.B. (I knew the questionable bartender there...he passed away last year)

I always thought that maybe Richard "The Iceman" Kuklinski (he lived 3-doors down from me in West New York...YIKES!) had something to do with this...but I believe he had moved out of the area by then.

Any more info you have on this...please pass along.

Thanks...Darren/Repoz

[KT]

Are you speaking of 17 year old Mary Pryor and 16 year old Lorraine Kelly?

[Repoz]

"Are you speaking of 17 year old Mary Pryor and 16 year old Lorraine Kelly?"

Yeah, That was their names...I'm still amazed that there was so little follow-up to the story in the local papers at the time.

Well..it wasn't called the Hudson Disgrace for no reason!

And thankfully that hellhole called the On-Tap is no longer around.

Thanks....D/R

[Joe]

Anyone know what Kuklinski's address was in West New York? Thanks.

I remember the Kelly-Pryor murders and I am trying to research as much info as I can.The deaths of these girls always seemed to be shrouded in mystery because as with most things in Hudson County political corruption always has a hand in it.I would like to find out more about the On Tap bar and if the politician that was questioned name was J M .I have a long history with North Bergen and have heard of many sordid incidents including mysterious deaths,murders and other horrors.A close family friend who recently passed away was one of the lead detectives on the case told me the case always bothered him and many things went uninvestigated and it eventually went cold.I was a classmate of Lorraine Kelly and knew her casually but I will never forget that summer morning waking up and seeing Lorraine Kelly and Mary Anne Pryor faces on the front page of the Hudson Dispatch.Maybe if enough people give input to this case we can find some answers that some of North Bergens corruption machine would prefer to see stay buried.

[darksearch]

The above posting was posted by darksearch not joe and the date 2/6/08 is the correct posting date not October

[gil corby]

i was a friend of Lorraines brother , Tommy Kelly. the murders were one of the most upsetting things from my youth. By way the political person involved was Mocco, Peter Moccos (he was a mayor of North Bergen), father.......they were rumored to be mafia. Someone should do a DNA. Just to set history straight. Burn in hell Mocco.

[darksearch]

I would be very interested in hearing more about the Kelly-Pryor case.The JM that I was alluding to in the above posting is Joe Mocco,Peters brother.He was a very.... to say the least shady character that always seemed to have sanity issues.Also heard rumors of a biker gang that may have just been a smokescreen sent out by the Mocco machine. Darksearch

[Gil Cprby]

Anyone know what happened to the detective (and what was his name I forgot) who vowed to solve the Kelly-Pryor case?? question , why don't the police do a DNA on the bodies today (this can be done) maybe there is evidence, culprits blood , something still on the corpses ,if thats possible. (i am sure the family would agree to this if it can lead to a conviction of someone. its a shame someone is getting away with murder

[BlazeNJ]

This case should be reopened. Without a doubt. Something stinks here. What I don't get, is where is the outrage? These were two young teenage girls with their whole lives ahead of them. Just because it happened over thirty years ago, doesn't make it any less important. Technology has come along way. What the hell is the problem? If the glaring set of circumstances that were presented back then weren't sufficient(YEAH OK) maybe it's time for some DNA evidence. These young women deserve that, their families deserve it!

[BlazeNJ]

Let's not forget that, less than a year later, two young women named Susan Reeve and Susan Reynes were also abducted, seperately. Reeve was from Demarest,NJ. Reynes was from Haworth,NJ. Their bodies found in Rockland County, NY(Hmmm), within seven miles of each other. They tried to pin their murders on a man by the name of Richard Reldan but there was no evidence. RE-OPEN all of these cases. These young women were someone's daughters, sisters, nieces, etc. It's absolutely disgusting that these cases were swept under the rug!

I am asking for any info no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is in regards to the Kelly-Pryor murder case.Info on the Mocco political machine,the On Tap bar,Richard Reldan,and info on the two girls.Any imput will be greatly appreciated to help putting this disturbing case to a final close. Darksearch P.S. If you are reluctant to post, email me at darkseach58@hotmail.com discretion is assured.

with all the advances in science you would think a solution could be found. The psychic was Dorothy Allison from Nutley NJ. She was a very famous and accurate psychic.

[BlazeNJ]

http://www.crimezzz.net/serialkillers/R/RELDAN_robert_r.php

This is the link to some info on the cases as well as Richard Reldan. Unfortunately I don't have info on the rest. Others that have posted seemed to know the politicians info and more details about their stories. I was warned once at a party held in honor of the towns current mayor not to talk to a certain member of his staff "because years ago he was involved in the murder of two girls". At the time I thought it was dreamt up by the person who told me. I didn't believe it. However, it's years later and I come across the story of these two girls on the internet. Supposedly that very staff member was involved in the former political machine in question.

[BlazeNJ]

I'm only relaying what I was told...it seems like others know alot more and start blabbering when they've had a few drinks.

This is extremely difficult for me ,for some reason I tonight i flet led to put lorraine's name on the internet and this site came up. Lorraine Kelly was my best friend and Mary Ann was her friend, and her best friend's name is Diane. I have all the exact deatils of this story, and at the time my life was threatened in many ways because not only was I very invloved in the investigation, but I also have a prophetic gift that availed me information that was very accurate. I would be very glad to release this info, in fact, I intend to return to the FBI to see in with the new technology thet might reopen evidence. It was the Paramus Park Mall, they were found in Montvale, in BErgen County, on purpose to get the pressure off of Hudson County. Yes this was a sad political situation and the girls were in the wrong place at the wrong time.Please know that the FBI worked on this for over 7 years and they woul always recontact me over and over again, and today I am working on a film script amda book. I am doing the music for it as well will have an accurate account of all the details. I am looking into some credible people to assist me in this venture. I must add this hit the very nerve of the entire systems in place at the time. Someone mentioned former mayor Mocco. I beleive his life, and his brother's life unfortunatly reaped much of what was sown in just their service as public servants. There lives have been hell losing several young children to tragic deaths ect. I think the issues in all investigations is the time element and the intregal parts of how our society was in the 1970's as well as the society views of woman, abuse, and jsut the fact that woman played second class citizen positions back then. Also our technology and media is so different. THese girls bodies being removed from the crime scene was the first pictures in tri-state medias that actualed show this on the front pages, never before done. It was a horror show and a media frenzy to sell sensationalism, yet with all that media not one really did any true depth of investigating facts, I know becasue I did alot myself at the 16, my God!, the price I paid- horrific! Everything was so right there, in your face yet, all chose the other information trail of gossip. The FBI did not handle things correctly at first, but once they got it, they stuck to it as best they could. REMEMBER the girls were purposely found in a nother county, and the jurisdiction was limited to that county, so to speak. This altered my life in ways I will not go into right now, but I do think that warped brains from alcohol and drugs, and some guys who were battling demons from Vietnam, did not in the beging purposely want these girls dead, yet in the end they did things running scared. I actually think some of them have been taunted, and demonized by what was done in a way that is their own living hell, maybe some do not even really remember! Some do, and if one would just some forward and plea for forgivenss with true repentance I could have some closure as I know Lorraine's sister and 2 brothers would. Sadly Lorraine's mom passed away only 2 months before she was killed which made the tragdey worse for some. Lorraine's boyfriend, at the time of her death, kept friends with me for years later but all, as well I'm sure MaryAnn's family too were altered beyond measure by the entire situation. How we were treated inthe begingin felt like torture, at 16. Things today would have been delat with differently and I beleive her murder would have been resolved by so mauch technology evidence ect. Even if items and building were renovated or torn down, there was so much evidence!!! So for anyone who would like to contact me, I will be glad to speak with you. Please note, any one sensationlizing these facts will not be tolerated in any manner! I will deal only with thsoe who are compassionate, honest, sincere, and perhaps togerther we might be able to change this state's views on crime, so that this can never ever happen to anyone again. Her anniversary is coming soon! I will not allow her memory or what and how she died to be dishonored. So, if you would like to contact me, never4getarmenia@yahoo.com please note your email as re:love4lori thank you all for not forgetting! It means alot LD

[lisa]

ALL THESE COMMENTS AND NOONE CARES TO COMMENT! sTRANGE!
tHIS IS THE START OF THE ANNIVERSARY. tOMMORRW MORNING AT 8AM IS WHEN I GOR THE CALL THATR lORI NEVER MADE IT HOME AND FAMILY THOUGHT SHE WAS AT MY HOUSE BEING SHE WAS MY BEST FRIEND. aT THE TIMES MALLS WERE KINDA OF OUT FOR ME AS I WORKED FROM 8-9PM SOMETIMES AS A LIFEGUARD. sHE WAS COMING WITH ME AND MY FAMILY FOR TWO WEEKS TO CAPE COD AT THE END OF AUGUST, UBFOIRTUNATLY THAT NEVER HAPPENED. THERE MIGHT BE A RALLY THIS WEEK COMING TO SUPPROT USING ALL SOURCES AVALBALE TO RE-CHECK ALL THE EVIDENCE ADN POSSIBLY GETNEW DNA TO CONTINUE AT ANY RATE THIS IS A TIME TO NEVER FORGET. EMAIL ME NEVER4GETARMENIA@YAHOO.COM

[Jane Wittman-Roll]

Back in 1975, I was a reporter for a newspaper in one of the neighboring towns, The Nutley Sun. I was fortunate enough to interview Dorothy Allison, the psychic, several times. Believe what you will... her powers were exceptional. She specifically focused on solving cases of young people because she wanted to help heal their families.

[JB]

Yesterday would have been Lorraine’s 52nd birthday. Every August, I think of the events that happened the first week of August 1974. Richard Nixon resigned from office and two friends disappeared. Although these two events are not related, one impacted the country while the other impacted the people of North Bergen. Their murder haunts me to this day. Lorraine and Maryanne were part of our circle of friends. We were classmates and friends. You could find us hanging out in places like Hudson County Park, 55th Street, WNY bowling alley, and of course, always at Lori W.’s house. When we were told that Lorraine and Maryanne disappeared, the detective handling the case had questioned several of their friends. I was one of them. Yes, we hitch hiked up and down Bergenline Ave. and Kennedy Blvd., but there were always a group of us (3-4) riding together. We thought because there would always be several of us, we were safe. Stupid teenage rationale.

Anyway, on the morning of their disappearance, Lorraine had called me and another mutual friend to go to Paramus Park Mall with her. She said that if we wanted to go, we should meet her at Nungessors to catch the bus. That was the last time I spoke with Lorraine. The next day, Lori’s mother told me that Lorraine and Maryann did not return home. She asked when was the last time we saw or spoke with them. Lorraine was with us the night before her disappearance. We were in Hudson County Park throwing around the Frisbee. We all hung out there for several hours. Nothing unusual. Just teenagers hanging out in the park. The next week, their tied, mutilated bodies were found behind the A&P in Montvale.

A detective handling the case questioned several of us. We were shown unpublished photos and were told of unspeakable torture. There were many rumors circulating about their disappearance and subsequent murder. One of which was that they were spotted at the On Tap Bar. I don’t know of anyone who had actually seen them there. Only that they heard that the girls had been there. There were also rumors that the mayor’s brother was involved. I don’t know that either.

I do know that Lorraine and Maryann were going to take the bus to Paramus Park Mall. Ricky, Lorraine’s boyfriend, saw them at Nungessors. Whether they arrived at the mall and decided to hitch hike home is a mystery. It has been 35 years since this horrific tragedy and we are no closer to solving the case.

[Darren/Repoz]

There was an update article today in the Jersey Journal about the murders.

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/northbergen/index.ssf?/base/news-0/125541517475400.xml&coll=3

[Nicole]

I remember this time and this unfortunate event also like it was yesterday..I went to school w/Lorraine Kelly at Robert Fulton...I remember The Maxi Coats we wore that were the fashion then...hers had a Faux Fur collar..I went to Lorraines' house often and she came to mine,She stayed at my Grandmothers' house in Lake Hopatcong w/me sometimes..I also hung out at Lori Whitmers' house...with Lorraine.I still find it amazing that nobody was ever caught...So Sad...
I also think of them every August..I also remember the Newscast that day..
"Nixon Resigns/Ford takes office..2 Girls from Hudson Co.Bodies found"

Lorraines Birthday was Aug.16 if I remember correctly..
Yes, it was long ago...but I am at a loss as to WHY nothing has been found on this case to this date..
Lorraine and "Ducky" Maryanne..I do think of you often..
Nikki

[susannah]

yes, but do they have anything to do with the Kelly/Pryor murder case?

[GIL CORBY]

AGAIN, THE MOCCOS WERE INVOLVED. THE GIRLS WERE LAST SEEN AT JOES BAR. BURN IN HELL JOE MOCCO.WHY HAS NO ONE SUGGESTED DNA TESTING AND DIG THE OLD BASTARD JOE MOCCO UP AND SEE IF THE GIRLS DNA IS ON HIM OR VICE VERSA. I HOPE THERE IS A HELL AND JOE BURNS BURNS BURNS BURNS. TOTALY EVIL FOLKS WHO DO SHIT LIKE WHAT WAS DONE TO THESE TWO GIRLS (I KNEW LORRAINE).. ...THESE BASTARDS DESERVE EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID TO THIER VICTIMS. NO MERCY FOR THE VIOLENT CRIMINAL

[Nicole]

Unfortunately, I have still not seen any updates

[Nicole]

Iam not sure who JB is who posted on 8/19/2009,but that is the most accurate report I have seen,I remember those days so well,and unfortunately,all the newscasts,and what friends were telling me...

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I thought my life was far more than. Life without a strategy, as you sort your site

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I spent time investigating the Internet end of the day award for the entire method of reporting and quality

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Here really look forward to reading more wonderful minutes. Thanks again for something.